What Does a Soft, Painless Bump on the Penis Mean?

Q: What Does a Soft, Painless Bump on the Penis Mean?

Hello： It is advisable to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility for clarity and proper care. <br>Wishing you good health.

When the skin around the glans and foreskin retracts, and there is a soft lump that is not painful, what could this be?

Hello, I have noticed in the past couple of days that when I am not erect, there is a lump near the base of the glans (the part of the foreskin that is exposed when retracted) that feels like it has fluid inside and is about 1 cm in size.
It doesn't hurt when I press or squeeze it, and it feels similar to the sensation of the foreskin being stretched.
However, when the penis is erect, this lump is not visible.
Additionally, there is a hard, vein-like structure in the lower part of the shaft that moves side to side when I apply pressure.
Is this a cause for concern? Question 1: Is the soft, painless lump on the foreskin a problem? Question 2: Is the hard, raised vein-like structure on the erect penis a concern? Thank you for your response!

Kenya, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/12/23

Dr. Lin Hexing reply Urology

Hello: It is advisable to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility for clarity and proper care.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2013/12/23

More Info

When it comes to a soft, painless bump on the penis, there are several potential explanations, and it's important to approach this with a clear understanding of the anatomy and possible conditions involved. Based on your description, it seems you have noticed a soft bump near the head of the penis that is approximately 1 cm in size, which does not cause pain when pressed. Additionally, you mentioned that this bump is not visible when the penis is erect, and you also noted a hard structure that feels like a blood vessel beneath the skin of the shaft.

Firstly, the soft bump you are describing could be a variety of things. One common possibility is a sebaceous cyst, which is a benign (non-cancerous) growth that can occur when a sebaceous gland becomes blocked. These cysts are typically filled with a fatty substance and can feel soft to the touch. They are usually harmless and do not require treatment unless they become infected or bothersome.

Another possibility is a pearly penile papule, which are small, soft, dome-shaped bumps that can appear around the corona of the glans (the head of the penis). These are also benign and are considered a normal anatomical variation. They are not associated with any disease and do not require treatment.

In some cases, the bump could be related to a condition called a penile wart, which is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These warts can appear soft and may be painless. If you suspect this could be the case, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and potential treatment options.

Regarding the hard structure you mentioned that feels like a blood vessel, this could be a normal anatomical feature, such as a prominent vein or a structure related to the erectile tissue. The penis contains a network of blood vessels that can become more prominent during an erection. If this hard structure is not painful and does not change in size or shape, it is likely not a cause for concern. However, if you experience any pain, swelling, or changes in the appearance of the area, it would be wise to seek medical advice.

In summary, while the presence of a soft, painless bump on the penis is often benign, it is essential to monitor any changes in size, shape, or associated symptoms. If you have any concerns or if the bump persists, it is highly recommended to consult a urologist or a healthcare professional who can perform a physical examination and provide a definitive diagnosis. They may also suggest further tests or imaging if necessary. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to changes in your body, especially in sensitive areas.

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